BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi prime minister has vowed that security forces would continue targeting and arresting insurgents in response to the wave of deadly attacks that hit the country in the recent months.

In a statement posted on his official website Wednesday, Nouri al-Maliki said that 800 militants were arrested and dozens others were killed during the continuing security operation by Iraqi forces. He gave no dates for these operations.

Security forces have carried out operations in Sunni areas around Baghdad following two brazen jailbreaks in July. About 70 people were killed and hundreds inmates escaped during these jailbreaks.

Violence has been on the rise in Iraq after an April security crackdown on a Sunni protest camp in Hawijah. More than 3,000 people have been killed in violence during the past few months.